Ending mask bylaw the wrong action

Editor:

Bylaw 6239 — the temporary mandatory face coverings bylaw — was put into effect on Aug. 24,

2020. It has come to my attention that the Standing Policy

Committee has voted in favour to recommend that the City of Lethbridge Council let this bylaw expire Feb. 23 and rely solely on the province mask mandate.

I am writing to express my concern for this action and ask the Lethbridge City Council vote against this recommendation and extend the mask bylaw beyond Feb 23.

. Removing the mask bylaw would go against advice of medical experts. The wearing of face coverings is an additional way in which we can protect the health and well-being of our community. By keeping our COVID-19 cases low, we can keep our businesses open and our economy moving forward.

The provincial mask mandate simply states that masks are mandatory in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and places of worship. Whereas the City of Lethbridge bylaw expands on that to ensure public vehicles including Lethbridge Transit buses, Access-a-Ride, taxi, rideshare service are included.

The City of Lethbridge bylaw also includes local enforcement and violation ticking as well as Lethbridge specific signage that has been displayed prominently throughout the community.

This signage has helped to educate and encourage residents to wear a face covering as an additional method of helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 over and above the provincial recommendations.

Extending the mask bylaw will ensure we can continue to safely reopen our City to the events and activities we enjoy.

Krysty Thomas

Lethbridge